Review "the Sacred Talisman" by Power Metal Band Nocturnal Rites
This Album is Made Even Better With the song The Legend Lives On
Swedish power metal band Nocturnal Rites takes it up another notch with their 3rd studio album called The Sacred Talisman. Released in 1999, this album also has a ballad song called The Legend Lives On. This beautiful piano filled ballad is about someone whose mission is done and he is passing the throne to the person that was the first person chosen to be the king of the land. At the end of his mission, the other man returns with glory and honor as the legend will leave on even after his death. He must seek and find the truth for the mission here in his current situation is complete.
Why Should Fans Listen to This Album?
This album shows that Sweden is one of the elite power metal nations in the world. Where is the United States when it comes to good power metal? Sadly, it is pretty non-existent when it comes to power metal because US bands tend to focus more on thrash metal or hard rock.
A Few Pros and Cons About the Album "The Sacred Talisman"
The Sacred Talisman is also different from their previous one in the sense that Anders Zackrisson’s vocals have a more melodic and harmonic feel to them. One example of such vocals is in the song called "Ride On." Lyrically, the songs are similar to the ones in Tales of Mystery and Imagination so I will have to deduct a few points from the final score for a lack of variety in the lyrical themes. Why do so many bands seem to stick to the same, rehashed fantasy style lyrics?
What Are the Strongest Songs In The Sacred Talisman?
The strongest songs in this album are many including The Iron Force, Free at Last, When Fire Comes to Ice, and The Legend Lives On and The King’s Command.
A Few Thoughts About the Album's Cover
The album’s cover shows a swordsman raising his sword as it touches the statue and the lightning flows from the sword as he shows his power, bravery, and courage. His sword also touches the talisman which as the initials NR on it.
The Song Called "The Iron Force"
The solo for Ride On ends with speed similar to the great Yngwie J. Malmsteen. The song called Free at Last starts with an impressive keyboard part. The song is about learning to be free at last, free from being held hostage to our dreams as long as we unite as a group to break free from this curse. On the song When Fire Comes to Ice, Anders adds to his vocal prowess by saying “ooooh when fire comes to ice.”
"When Fire Comes to Ice"
"Hold Onto the Flame" and "The King's Command"
The song "Hold On to the Flame" is a song encouraging people to keep holding on even if it feels like the walls are closing in on them. Life will still go on even if it seems to be bleak for some of us. The King’s Command is a song about just that. When the King gives commands to his knights to go out and bravely for his kingdom, they have no choice but to be brave and obey him. This album should get at least 88 out of 100 points.
The Song Called "Free At Last"
The Song Called "The Legend Lives On"
This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. It is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters.
© 2017 Ara Vahanian
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